Last season we were robbed from watching Travis Etiennes inaugural season in the NFL. An early preseason game took his season away when suffering a Linfranc injury. These injuries most often lead to a lengthy time out for players, which Etienne can vouch for. It’s time to put that negativity behind us because 2022 could be bring us potential RB1 with Etienne….some have said. Let’s look what type of player we are working with before we rush to judgement.
Etienne is a special player and we got to witness that in college. In 4 years at Clemson he totaled close to 5,000 rushing yards, totaled over 6000 yards while averaging 7.2 YPC and 11.3 per grab. Consistently he found ways to create open space which led to flash long TDs. It also helped that he played with one of college footballs most polished QBs who just so happens to be his current QB Trevor Hanson…Lawrence. Chemistry is apparent and in his final 2 seasons with Clemson he truly flashed his pass catching potential which will easily translate to the pros.
Etiennes running mate James Robinson is someone we need to keep a close eye on. Week 16 Robinson tore his ACL and is currently recovering. Reports state he can be ready by August but that may seem best case scenario. I personally feel Robinson may miss some time but I am no doctor, I just play one for GCF with my PHD from google. Regardless Robinson will be back at some point and that is one area that may hault owners from drafting Etienne at his current ADP.
There is no doubt in our minds that we are looking at a 1A/1B RB approach. Both of these individuals were heading toward this direction last season but let’s look at new head coach Doug Pedersons resume. In 5 years as head coach of the Eagles, Pederson never had a RB reach 180 carries or 900 yards in a season. He utilized several RBs each game on his roster in order to keep them fresh and to change the pace against opposing defenses. He emphasizes the rushing game as his numbers show. 4 out of 5 years as head coach for the Eagles, they finished in the top 11 or better in rushing yards. Let’s also throw out a hallelujah that Urban Meyer is no longer head coach of the Jags as he is currently scouting out females in college bars. Good luck to you buddy.
With all this said, what kind of season can we expect from the sophomore back? I would love to but into the hype of Etienne being a PPR legend off the bat but I just can’t yet. Early on I think we will see Etienne eat and have a higher volume. Like I said earlier, I don’t expect the Jaguars to rush Robinson back from his injury, so if that is the case Etienne stands alone as the top back. Upon Robinson return it is almost certain his touches per game will dip. I have Etienne best case scenario finishing as a high-end RB2 in an offense that clearly still has concerns at the offensive line. My realistic rankings of Etienne amongst RBs is anywhere from 19-22. Some might disagree with this but we have to look at all elements such as depth chart, coaching and lack of talent around the offense. In future years to come he flashes top 10 potential but as of the 2022 fantasy drafts this is where he lands.
Next up we have to speak about Michael Thomas. Is dude dead or can we see him rejuvenate his career.